Pat Kinsella
Author of Caving, Canyoning, Coasteering…, a recently released book about all kinds of outdoor adventures around Britain, Pat Kinsella has been writing about outdoor pursuits and adventure sports for two decades. In pursuit of stories he’s canoed Canada’s Yukon River, climbed Mont Blanc and Kilimanjaro, skied and mountain biked across the Norwegian Alps, run ultras across the roof of Mauritius and through the hills of the Himalayas, and set short-lived speed records for trail-running Australia’s highest peaks and New Zealand’s nine Great Walks. A former editor of several Australian magazines he’s a longtime contributor to publications including Sidetracked, Outdoor, National Geographic Traveller, Trail Running, The Great Outdoors, Outdoor Fitness and Adventure Travel, and a regular writer for Lonely Planet (for whom he compiled, edited and co-wrote the Atlas of Adventure, a guide to outdoor pursuits around the globe). He’s authored guides to exploring the coastline and countryside of Devon and Dorset, and recently wrote a book about pub walks. Follow Pat's adventures on Strava and instagram.
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What's a shank? We explain the anatomy of a hiking boot
We sneak a peak under the hood of the humble hiking boot to find out how it works
By Pat Kinsella Published
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Montane Phase Lite Waterproof Jacket review: featherlight, weatherproof 3-layer shell
Completely wind and waterproof, the Phase Lite has your back in the worst weather and is lightweight and very easy to carry
By Pat Kinsella Published
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What’s the best merino GSM? Merino wool weights explained
Merino wool is brilliant, we know that, but what thickness is best? We weigh up the pros and cons of different GSM
By Pat Kinsella Published
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Is Gore-Tex ePE the future of sustainable waterproof technology? We asked a fabric expert
Does the evolution of Gore-Tex’s ePE membrane mean we can buy guilt-free gear again?
By Pat Kinsella Last updated
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Why you need to try via ferrata this year
Offering all the thrills without the spills… Via ferrata is a gateway drug for rock climbing – once you’ve experienced the highs, you’re going to get hooked
By Pat Kinsella Published
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Columbia Facet 75 Outdry Waterproof Hiking Shoes review: a family of adventure-ready footwear
Lightweight but hardy hooves for hitting the hills and tackling trails virtually year round
By Pat Kinsella Published
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Canyon Grizl CF SL review: a gravel bike with grit in its guts and adventure in its veins
Lightweight and nimble, yet more than tough enough for the rough stuff, the Canyon Grizl supplies the sizzle during fast-blast gravel rides and overnight trail-blazing escapades
By Pat Kinsella Published
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What's R-value in camping mats?
Here's how understanding R-value can help you choose a better camping mat
By Pat Kinsella Last updated
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I raced the sun during the Winter Solstice – and learned a valuable lesson
Create your own DIY adventure challenges to keep your fitness goals on track (for free)
By Pat Kinsella Published
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I took up martial arts in my 40s, and it totally changed my approach to fitness
Taekwondo taught me how to stay fighting fit
By Pat Kinsella Published
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How to race a train on foot – and other ways to keep your fitness on track in 2024
The secret to sticking to New Year’s resolutions is to keep the fun in the run
By Pat Kinsella Published
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Pure Woodland Glow review: a waterproof speaker and camping lantern combo
A fully waterproof Bluetooth speaker that supplies light, sound and power to lively up your alfresco adventures
By Pat Kinsella Published
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Columbia Ampli-Dry Waterproof Jacket review: excellent shell for day hikes
This brilliant budget-friendly waterproof shell is built to protect you in all but the most biblically diabolical downpours
By Pat Kinsella Published
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Adidas Terrex Free Hiker GTX Hiking Shoes 2.0 review: boots with bounce
Versatile, high-performing hiking boots that put a proper spring in your step and add some swagger to your outdoor wardrobe
By Pat Kinsella Published
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What's hut hiking? The very best way to enjoy multiday walks
Trekking between mountain huts is a sensational experience, and we’re going to let you into a secret: it’s best to do it outside of summer
By Pat Kinsella Last updated
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Isle Pioneer Pro Hybrid SUP review: shape-shifting paddle board/kayak hybrid
Is it a board? Is it a boat? The Pioneer Pro Hybrid SUP-come-kayak can do both, but just how well? Here is our review
By Pat Kinsella Published
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Vaude Hogan SUL 1–2P review: smart and light escape pod for intrepid explorers
Vaude's Hogan SUL 1–2P tent is a comfortable, cleverly designed, easy-to-carry, virtually all-conditions shelter for the adventurous
By Pat Kinsella Published
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Columbia Arch Rock Double Wall Elite Hooded Insulated Jacket review: a stellar coat made with real rocket science
This jacket literally incorporates space-travel technology to keep you warm in the most wickedly wintery conditions
By Pat Kinsella Last updated
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Jetboil Flash review: after a year of heavy use, this is my go-to camping stove
Fast-working, fuel-efficient and easy to pack and carry, the Jetboil Flash is a wonder stove for one-pot camp cooking
By Pat Kinsella Published
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Muck Boot Calder Boots review: stylish wellies with beyond-the-pale functionality
Versatile, comfortable and very capable wellington boots for mucky adventures on the wet and wild side all year round
By Pat Kinsella Published
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3 reasons to keep SUPing past summer (and 4 ways to make the most of it)
The halcyon days of summer might be behind us, but there’s plenty of perfect stand-up paddling still to be enjoyed this year
By Pat Kinsella Published
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How to pack for autumn camping and backpacking adventures
Autumn/fall is the best time to go camping, but you need to make some adjustments to your kit
By Pat Kinsella Published
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5 autumn hiking essentials every self-respecting walker must carry with them
Autumn is an awesome time to go walking, especially if you remember to pack these experience-enhancing items
By Pat Kinsella Published
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Trail running shoes shouldn't be waterproof – change my mind
When it comes to running footwear, you can keep your GTX-lined gear, I’m better off without it – in more ways than one
By Pat Kinsella Published